Toms Shoes

Link on Facebook that states "Toms is currently giving away FREE pairs of shoes to select facebook users for a limited time!"

Origins: In March 2012, a survey scam purporting to offer a free pair Toms Shoes those who follow particular links then do as told once there spread via e-mail and Facebook.

A Facebook page (not operated or sponsored by Toms Shoes) displayed an embedded countdown counter purporting to display a rapidly reducing number of free shoes to be had, asked users to "Share" and "Like" the page, then led them a set of pages prompting them to input a fair amount of personal information (including name, address, e-mail address, date of birth, and phone numbers), complete a lengthy series of surveys, and finally sign up (and commit to paying) for "Reward Offers" that usually involved applying for a credit card or signing up for some sort of paid subscription service.

Attn TOMS fans: beware of offers on Facebook that say they are giving away free TOMS shoes. Those pages are in no way associated with TOMS. Just wanted to clear any confusion as we've seen a bunch of you asking!

Those intent upon snapping up free stuff via such lures should keep in mind that there is often a further downside to the process beyond their personal disappointment and the financial enrichment of the scam artists preying upon their gullibility: All too often such adventures in clickjacking also result in the download of trojans and other viruses onto the computers of those looking to score the promised goodies.